We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which our school stands. We pay our respects to all First Nations elders, past present and emerging.

Meet Our Staff

Today we would like to introduce our truly truly wonderful Education Support Staff. These amazingly dedicated people work very closely with many of our students and their peers who require support to engage with their learning, make friends, or even negotiate the physical landscape of the school. These crucial members of our staff can be found all around the school – in classrooms, at specialists, in the library, and even occasionally up a tree! Please make sure you say hello next time you see them in the yard.

Ella Dunn: This is my fifth year as an ES, and I've been at BNW since 2020. I did my bachelor's and honours year studying art at the VCA and I continue to paint and have exhibitions today.

If I'm not in my shed painting, I love hiking, road trips, going to see bands, eating good food and hanging out with my dog Gary. I am also currently studying a grad dip in early childhood teaching.

Ella works at BNWPS on Thursdays and Fridays.

Darcy Thorn: Hi everyone, my name’s Darcy and I've been working at BNWPS as an ES since 2019. I'm originally from a small town in WA called Broome but moved to Melbourne to study nursing and psychology. I love getting back home as much as possible, especially during Melbourne's winter! When I'm not studying or working, I love to play sports, go hiking and catch up with friends and family!

Darcy works at BNWPS on Tuesdays and Fridays

Gia Kaur:

Hi! I am Gia. I started working in BNWPS last year and I am happy to have found this beautiful, loving, and caring community. All the students are amazing, and I am glad to have this opportunity of supporting them in their education. My interests include painting, travelling, and I love a good film!

I look forward to my time in this school.

Gia works at BNWPS every day.

Veneta Braybon: My name is Veneta. I am a born and bred Brunswick local! I began working as education support at BNWPS, in 2016 whilst on placement. I am so grateful to be working within this diverse school community. I especially love all the kids; they are all awesome! My interests include lots of arts and crafts, but my current specialty is yarnbombing! I love animals, and gardening, and op shopping. I am a very proud owner of 3 wonderful cats and a very special bunny, who lives under my bed, named Alexandra. Veneta works at BNWPS from Tuesdays to Fridays.

Jacqui Hermina: My name is Jacqui and this is my second year at BNWPS. I’ve been an aide for the last seven years, coming across from Parkwood Green Primary School. Outside of BNWPS I am a dance teacher and have a passion for performing as part of a children’s entertainment group called Team Dream.

Jacqui works at BNWPS on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Sheena Athiparambath: I worked as a teacher in India for 5 years. I started working as an ES in BNWPS in 2022. I came to Australia from India with my family in 2015. In my spare time, I enjoy music and spending time with family. Sheena works at BNWPS on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Brianna Bartley: Hi I'm Brianna. I enjoy comedy, political satire, cycling, and having a chat. I've been working with children since I was one myself, at bookshops and laser tag while I was in high school in Tasmania. I come from a long line of teachers and deeply value and believe in accessible, inclusive education. I am about to complete my BED and I have been privileged to work in two capacities at Brunswick North West Primary as an OSHC and Education Support Worker. Brianna works at BNWPS on Mondays, and from Wednesday to Friday.

Susan Cashin: Hi. I'm Susan and I am an Education Support person. I have been working at BNWPS since 2014 and still look forward to the challenges that each workday brings. When I'm not at work, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, and playing computer games. Yep, I know how to play Minecraft, Super Smash Bros, and Among Us, which always freaks the kids out a bit. Who knew an old person like me could keep up with current popular culture? Just don't ask me about music 😄

Tara Gooding: Tara joined BNWPS as a parent in 2018 and our ES team in 2021. Then last year, completed a 6-month Artists in Residency with Erick and Joh in Jack’s music lessons, resulting in a (yet to be screened) movie. She has spent the last 33 years involved in both performing and teaching circus skills. In her spare time, she enjoys good food and outdoor adventures with her family. Tara works at BNWPS from Tuesday to Friday.

Charlotte Barker: Hi, I’m Charlotte. I've been working at BNWPS for a handful of years now and I love being part of the school community. I live with my daughter and dog (and one fish who can outwit, outplay, and outlast any other fish in the tank.) I make leadlight windows and enjoy a bit of DIY when I find the time. Charlotte works at BNWPS from Monday to Wednesday.

Jamie Marcetic: Hi! I’m Jamie, the school giant/ES staff member at Brunswick North West. I’m the guy who can be spotted in the yard quite easily just by looking up. Outside of school, I love to draw and paint crazy cartoons. I also play drums in a band! James works at BNWEPS from Tuesday to Friday.

Deb Derenkowsky: Hej! (That means "hello" in Sweden, where I was born.). I've just started working at Brunswick North West Primary School and want to give a big THANK YOU to all the students and staff for making me feel a part of your community. When I'm not at school, my favourite things to do is volunteering and spending time with my cat Blue. Deb works at BNWPS every day.

Another Education Support worker who we are very happy to have on-site is Sam. Sam doesn’t work closely to support our students in the classroom; he works to support our amazing buildings and grounds, which then supports student learning and engagement.

Sam Clarke Hi! I'm Sam and I've been the school maintenance facility manager for the last couple of years. I'm only here a day a week so bear with me! My 'main' job is maintenance and facility management for many well-known bars and restaurants in the CBD. My daughter Mila finished up at BNWPS in 2020 the same year my son Claude started as a wee Foundie. I'm usually here on Fridays so feel free to say hi!

School Council Elections

Nominations for School Council nominations have closed and as there were fewer nominations than available positions, a ballot will not be required. If you are interested in the governance of our school or getting involved through sub-committees, please contact the school or our School Council President Tanya Pittard at tanya.pittard@education.vic.gov.au

Rock Throwing

The school has been informed that last week some of our students were throwing rocks over the Montessori kinder fence. We do not know who the students were, however we do not believe any students at our school would behave in such a way intending any harm to people or property. Unfortunately, a car belonging to a kinder staff member was damaged. Teachers have spoken to all students about appropriate behaviour at recess and lunch, but we would also appreciate families talking with their children about safe behaviour and reminding them that it is never a good idea to throw rocks at school

Student Led Conferences

Our student led conferences on Tuesday were a big success. Despite some glitches with Google codes, it seems that Parents/carers and students enjoyed the opportunity to get together to celebrate learning and discuss learning goals. According to information gathered at education sub-committee last night, parents/carers appreciated the efforts that had been put in before the event to prepare the students, and felt that the information and dialogue that was shared was authentic and relevant.

We would particularly like to acknowledge the work and effort of the OSHC team, who worked hard to connect all of the students in their care to the right interview, with the right code at the right time! At one stage, the OSHC team had eight interviews going at once – again, this is a great example of our school values (particularly connection , respect and creativity) in action. A round of applause for the OSHC team and their students!

F-2 Literacy Forum

Also last night, Emma (our Literacy Learning Specialist), Cath (Our Foundation Leader) and Alice (Our Junior Leader) Held the community forum with a focus on how BNWPS teaches and monitors literacy development. We had a lot of great questions about reading (particularly home reading), Writing and Spelling, and the team presented a very informative forum. Our next forum will focus on Guided Play in our F-2 rooms, and following that we will discuss 3-6 Literacy. Keep your eyes on the newsletter to find out when these will take place.

Have a great week everyone.

With Kindness

Keir & Hannah

Sprout